Course Content

A-level Latin allows students to extend their language skills as well as developing an understanding and appreciation for the literature, culture and society of ancient Rome. Students build their knowledge of vocabulary and linguistic structures through reading and studying prose and verse texts in Latin. The course develops a high level of linguistic competence, requiring students to translate unseen texts with accuracy as well as consideration of the genre. There is also the opportunity for prose composition. Study of literature extends beyond the GCSE in both breadth and depth, with both prose and verse texts studied in Latin and English and analysed in detail.

Assessment

Component 1: Unseen Translation 33%.  Written exam: 1 hours 45 minutes.  This paper will test knowledge of vocab, accidence and syntax through translation of an unseen passage of both Ovid (verse) and Livy (prose) into English.

Component 2: Prose Composition or Comprehension 17%.  Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes.  Students will show their linguistic competence by either answering comprehension questions on an unseen passage of Latin, or translating a short passage of English into Latin.

Component 3: Prose Literature 25%.  Written exam: 2 hours.   This component requires the study of a selection of prose literature in the original Latin with some parts in English to aid context. In the exam students will translate passages of text as well as responding at length to questions regarding the use of language, context and interpretation of the texts.

Component 4: Verse Literature 25%.  Written exam: 2 hours.  This component requires the study of a selection of verse in the original Latin with some parts in English to aid context. In the exam students will translate passages of text as well as responding at length to questions regarding the use of language, context and interpretation of the texts.  Authors include Virgil, Ovid and Horace

Expectations

To be accepted onto the course, you need at least a Grade 6 in Latin at GCSE. The course demands a good knowledge of Latin vocabulary, accidence and syntax as well as the ability to respond analytically to Latin texts. You will be set independent learning tasks each week and you will also be expected to carry out a large amount of self-study including vocabulary learning and practising of new grammar.

Examination Board: OCR    Course Number: H443